Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We appreciate that parents/carers who are new to our school will have questions and concerns.

Here are some answers to questions in relation to your child’s education, school timings, procedures and a variety of other topics. We won't have answered everything so if you are unable to find the information you are looking for please contact the school by telephone or email:

Telephone: 020 8311 5177

Emailadmin@castilion.bexley.sch.uk

 

Attendance and Timings

What are school opening and closing times?

Usual school opening and closing times are as follows:

  • EYFS/KS1/KS2:  08:40-15:20

 

What do I do if my child is late to school?

If you are going to be late, please inform us if you can by telephoning the school on 020 8311 5177. On arrival, you will be asked to sign in at the school office, providing a reason for late arrival. If you are late due to an appointment, please provide evidence on arrival.

What do I do if I am going to be late collecting my child?

Please inform us as soon as possible by telephoning the school on 020 8311 5177. Please arrange for someone else to collect your child where possible. If your child remains uncollected 10 minutes after their finish time, they will be taken to the school office. 

Can I send someone else to pick up my child?

Every child has an authorised collection list of named adults (16+) who are permitted to collect them from school. We ask parents/carers to provide this information on entry to the school. Staff will not release children to anyone who is not named on this list. Should you wish your child to be collected by someone who is not named on your list, please telephone the school office on 020 8311 5177 giving the full name of the adult who will be collecting.

How do I report my child's absence from school?

Please telephone the school on 020 8311 5177 and leave a message on our absence line (option 1) by 09:00 on the first day of absence. Please clearly state your child’s name, class and reason for absence.

Can I take my child on holiday during term time?

From 1st September 2013, The Department for Education announced that parents have no entitlement to take their child out of school for a holiday during term time.  Any application for leave must only be in exceptional circumstances by completing an application for leave of absence form, which can be obtained from the school office.  The Headteacher will decide if it warrants exceptional circumstance.  Parents will be fined by means of Penalty Notices or prosecutions in the Magistrates Courts by the Local Authority for taking their child on holiday during term time without consent from the school.

Attendance Policy PDF 

Exceptional Leave PDF 

 

Health issues

What do I do if my child is prescribed medication?

The school office cannot administer prescribed medication. Parents should administer prescribed medication before school. 

What happens if my child has a medical/dental appointment?

Please inform us as soon as you know your child has an appointment by emailing admin@castilion.bexley.sch.uk. Please include a copy of the appointment letter. It is useful for us to know how long your child will be out of school for and whether they will be attending school for lunch on that day.

How long before my child can return to school after an illness?

If your child is experiencing sickness and/or diarrhoea they should stay away from school for at least 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting/diarrhoea. With most other illnesses, your child can return to school as soon as they feel well enough to unless you have been advised by the school not to (for example with contagious illnesses).

What happens if my child has an accident at school?

If your child has an accident at school, appropriate first aid will be undertaken.

What do I do if my child has headlice?

Please inform the school and treat the head lice before sending your child back into school. All members of your household should be treated at the same time. If head lice are found in your child’s hair during the school day, we will inform you by telephone and ask you to treat them at the end of the school day.

 

Transport

Can I park at the school?

The school does not have any designated parking for parents and the roads surrounding the school can become very congested during school drop off and collection times. We ask that where possible you walk to collect your child or use public transport. If you do need to drive then please park sensibly and considerately; we are located in a residential area and ask parents/carers to consider our neighbours when parking.

Can my child cycle to school?

Only children in Y6 who have completed their Bikeability training in school are permitted to cycle to/from school.